Cave of Letters

Cave of Letters is a rock shelter in the Judean Desert that yielded letters, legal documents and artifacts associated with Jewish refugees and leaders during the Bar Kokhba revolt of 132-136 CE. The finds from the cave are a primary source for the study of that revolt and desert-era refuge sites.

The interior preserved a range of papyri, wooden artifacts and personal items that relate directly to individuals sheltering there during the 2nd century. The assemblage includes correspondence and legal texts which have been studied for their historical and linguistic value.

The cave was used as a refugee hideout during the Bar Kokhba revolt and was later examined by archaeologists in the 20th century, when the documentary remains were recovered. Those excavations produced the best-known set of letters associated with the revolt from the Judean Desert.

The site sits on cliffs above Nahal Hever (Wadi Hever) in the Judean Desert, on the western side of the Dead Sea Rift. It is reached from desert tracks and is located in the general region southeast of Jerusalem.

• Bar Kokhba documents: Contains documentary material and personal letters tied to the Bar Kokhba revolt, providing rare first-hand evidence of life during the 2nd century CE.